The New England Patriots exhausted their quarterback rotation in Week 4 against the Green Bay Packers.
Quarterback Mac Jones was already out due to an ankle injury, prompting Brian Hoyer to start.
However, the second play-caller on their depth chart went out due to a concussion.
Taking over for Hoyer was rookie quarterback Bailey Zappe, the team’s fourth-round selection in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Patriots fans might have known him after his name was called in the draft.
Since then, he was buried in the rotation behind Jones and Hoyer.
But the Western Kentucky alumnus has become a household name after his performance against Green Bay.
No wonder he is now the talk of the town in New England.
Bailey Zappe is popular pic.twitter.com/llCACCQPTC
— Mark Daniels (@MarkDanielsPJ) October 5, 2022
Zappe’s exploits helped the Patriots force overtime against reigning Most Valuable Player Aaron Rodgers and the Packers.
Unfortunately, they fell short after Mason Crosby converted the game-winning field goal with no time left.
Zappe finished the game with ten completions for 99 yards and a touchdown.
While those numbers are not eye-popping, his composure made the Patriots feel they might have something in him.
There’s no word yet if Jones or Hoyer will play in Week 5 when the Patriots face the Detroit Lions.
However, Zappe will be ready if his name is called.
Zappe’s Journey To The NFL
It must have been a proud moment for Zappe to play an NFL game at Lambeau Field.
The year before, he was Conference USA’s Most Valuable Player after setting NCAA single-season records of 5,967 passing yards and 62 touchdowns.
He also became a part of the First-Team All-Conference USA and the Offensive MVP of the Boca Raton Bowl in the same year.
Despite those accomplishments, his name barely registered on the radar of NFL teams.
Still, the Patriots took a flier on him, 136 spots after top overall selection Travon Walker.
NEXT: Video Shows Mac Jones Progressing In His Recovery